Detroit Lions sign Corey Wootton to one-year deal

The Detroit Lions have signed defensive tackle Corey Wootton to a one-year deal to increase depth on their line.

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The Detroit Lions looked to pad the depth of their defensive line on Thursday by signing defensive tackle Corey Wootton, according to a story by Lions.com. Detroit signed Wootton for a one-year deal that included an $80,000 signing bonus. With the addition of Wootton, the Lions are currently at the 90-man limit on their roster.

The Lions definitely need help there with the loss of Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and George Johnson in the offseason. They made up for it somewhat by trading to acquire Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Haloti Ngata and then signing Tyrunn Walker. Detroit also drafted Gabe Walker to be added to the rotation.

Wootton adds some veteran presence as well. He played with the Minnesota Vikings last season and was on the field for 15 games, racking up 16 tackles. He’s played a total of 60 games over his career and started 15. Before playing with the Vikings, Wootton played the previous four seasons with the Chicago Bears, staying in the NFC North. He also has the ability to play both defensive tackle and end, something that gives the Lions flexibility as well in their 4-3 defensive scheme. He had seven sacks in his 2012 season with the Bears and then three in his 2013 season.

The Lions could particularly be interested in Wootton’s ability to help on the edge, which is what they lost in losing Johnson. He’ll be competing with Devin Taylor, Darryl Tapp, Larry Webster, Phillip Hunt and Kerry Hyder for a backup role behind the two main starters in Ziggy Ansah and Jason Jones.

With Minnesota last year, Wootton’s defensive snaps went from 846 in 2013 down to only 271, managing only one sack as well. Wootton will be 28 years old next month and could be slowing down, but the Lions must at least like the potential for Wootton to contribute, even if it’s just as a depth player. As with many players that fall off for one NFL team then move to another, it’s possible he needs a change of scenery.

Because the Lions signed Wootton after May 12, he will not count against the compensatory draft pick formula for the team next offseason.

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